Cologne Catalogue

Keulen, D

From city strategy to development plan – How does Cologne regulate sustainable, high-quality density?

The so-called was developed to create compact and sustainable neighbourhoods that meet the needs of residents and provide a liveable environment. The increasing demand for housing, combined with the desire to conserve natural resources, makes it crucially important to find innovative solutions. The catalogue is designed as a tool to reduce land use while ensuring a high quality of life. Eleven strategies for qualitative density have been developed through a thorough analysis of the existing housing stock, taking into account expertise in the fields of architecture, urban planning and urban development. These strategies were then translated into six neighbourhood Cologne Catalogue (Köln Katalog) typologies tailored to Cologne’s different density categories. The Cologne Catalogue thus serves as an inspiring guide for future urban development and demonstrates ways to design sustainable and liveable neighbourhoods.

The analysis was preceded by an in-depth study of Cologne’s housing stock to identify characteristic urban structures, building and housing typologies. Specific influences that promote compact construction and liveable neighbourhoods were analysed. Targeted approaches and strategies for future urban development could be derived from the findings generated by the analysis.

Small and large – Mixed scale – Placemaking

Deep buildings – Overlapping clearances

Roofs for use – Green design – Multifunctional open spaces

Mixed and open use – Stacking the city – Shared infrastructure

Vertical Density
Vertical Density describes strategies that deal with the height development of buildings and their interaction with each other. The combination of different building typologies with different heights makes it possible to increase building density, possibly only selectively, but with an effect on the entire development area.

Horizontal Density
Horizontal Density strategies describe approaches to the horizontal expansion of building mass and the placement of volumes and buildings in relation to each other.

Green Diversity
Green Diversity strategies increase density. Not in a direct sense by creating more building mass, but by influencing it through alternative development options, open space design and green space provision.

Diversity of Use
Diversity of Use contributes indirectly to higher density, as a mix of uses allows for different building typologies and depths. At the same time, non-residential uses (according to KoopBLM) do not take up additional space for green and play areas. Mixed use and shared infrastructure also significantly enhance the quality of a neighbourhood, helping to make densely populated neighbourhoods more liveable. Mixed use also has a positive impact on the sustainability of infrastructure and buildings.

The implementation of the Cologne Catalogue consisted of the development of six neighbourhood typologies that serve as examples of compact, sustainable and liveable neighbourhoods in Cologne. Each neighbourhood typology is based on a combination of the eleven strategies and focuses on the specific needs of the area.

Groups of forms

Look for contrasts

Mix building fields

Differentiate blocks

Define spatial sequences

Develop verticals

The Cologne Catalogue (Köln Katalog) is a tool for Cologne’s urban development. The results show that density plays an important role in promoting sustainable and liveable urban development. By creating compact neighbourhoods with mixed functions, limited space can be used more efficiently. This leads to shorter distances, better use of green spaces and the creation of vibrant neighbourhoods, resulting in less land use, better social integration and more effective use of resources. The Cologne Catalogue provides concrete strategies and neighbourhood typologies to guide the implementation of the findings and promote sustainable and liveable urban development in Cologne.

Cologne Catalogue

The catalogue is a pioneering project with 11 strategies for quality density. These have been developed through a thorough analysis of the housing stock, involving expertise in architecture, urban development and urban planning. These strategies have been translated into six neighbourhood typologies that serve as guidelines. The project thus offers different answers to the question of how density can contribute to sustainable and liveable urban development. The results show that compact, functionally mixed neighbourhoods with short distances reduce land consumption and improve quality of life. The Cologne Catalogue is a source of inspiration for future urban development and shows ways to design sustainable and liveable neighbourhoods.